While tax reform in Canada will not "religously copy" the changes taking place in the United States, where the system is being simplified and some of the tax burden is being shifted from individuals to business, [Michael Wilson] said the government must keep rates here competitive with U.S. rates.

Meanwhile, Wilson said that while it will be difficult to both reduce the deficit while at the same time deliver on the many promises contained in the Throne Speech, his government is up to the challenge.

Official Languages Commissioner d'Iberville Fortier, meanwhile, noted that three promises contained in the 1984 Throne Speech were missing in Wednesday's version: The promise to ensure French and English have equal status in fact as well as law; the emphasis on co- operation between the two levels of government in supporting official-language minorities; and the need for continuing improvements.